The fastest way to add a friend on Steam

To add a friend on Steam, open the Friends & Chats window, search for their username or profile URL, and click "Add Friend". Steam will send them a request, and once they accept, you can message them and see when they are online. The whole process takes seconds if you know their exact username.

You can add friends from within the Steam client on your computer, through the Steam mobile app, or directly from a friend's profile page on the Steam website. All three methods sync instantly — a friend added on mobile will appear in your client list right away.

Key Takeaways

  • Search for a friend by their exact Steam username or their profile URL in the Friends & Chats window to send them a friend request.
  • You can add friends through the Steam client, the mobile app, or the Steam website — all three methods work equally well.
  • If you do not know someone's exact username, ask them for their profile URL or their Steam ID number instead.
  • Once someone accepts your friend request, you can message them, see their online status, and view their game library and achievements.
  • You can remove a friend at any time from your friends list without notifying them.

Adding a friend through the Steam client on your computer

Open the Steam client and click the "Friends & Chats" button at the bottom left of the window. A panel will slide out on the left side of your screen. At the top of this panel, click the "Add a Friend" button (it looks like a person with a plus sign).

A search box will appear. Type your friend's Steam username exactly as it appears on their profile. If you are not sure of the exact spelling, ask them to send you their profile URL instead — you can paste that directly into the search box and Steam will find them. Click the search result and then click "Add Friend" to send the request.

Adding a friend through the Steam mobile app

Open the Steam mobile app and tap the "Friends" tab at the bottom of the screen. Tap the plus icon in the top right corner. A search box will appear where you can type your friend's username or paste their profile URL.

Once you find them, tap their profile and then tap "Add Friend". The request will send immediately, and you will see it listed under "Pending" in your friends list until they respond. You can cancel a pending request by tapping it and selecting "Cancel Friend Request".

Adding a friend from their Steam profile page

If someone sends you a link to their Steam profile or you find their profile through a search engine, you can add them directly from that page. Look for the "Add Friend" button on their profile — it is usually near the top, next to their username and avatar.

Click or tap "Add Friend" and the request will send. You do not need to open the Friends & Chats window or search for them separately. This method is useful when someone shares their profile link with you in a message or forum post.

What happens after you send a friend request

When you send a friend request, it appears in the other person's "Pending" section. They will see a notification (if they have notifications turned on) and can accept or decline the request from their Friends & Chats window. Until they respond, the request stays in your "Pending" list.

Once they accept, you will both see each other in your main friends list. You can then message them, see when they are online, view their profile and game library, and invite them to games you own. If they decline, the request disappears and you can send another one later if you want.

Finding someone's username or profile URL if you do not know it

If you know someone in person or through another platform but do not know their Steam username, ask them directly for their profile URL. They can find it by opening their own profile in Steam, right-clicking their username at the top, and selecting "Copy Profile URL". They can then paste it to you in a message or email.

Alternatively, ask for their Steam ID number — a long string of digits that uniquely identifies their account. You can paste a Steam ID into the search box in Friends & Chats and Steam will find the account. Some people also share their profile link on Discord, Reddit, or other platforms, so checking there is another option.

Removing a friend or managing your friends list

To remove a friend, right-click their name in your Friends & Chats window and select "Remove Friend". They will not be notified that you removed them, and the change takes effect immediately. You can add them again later if you change your mind.

You can also block someone from your friends list by right-clicking their name and selecting "Block User". A blocked person cannot message you, invite you to games, or see your online status. You can unblock them the same way if you want to restore contact later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone if I do not know their exact username?

Not by username alone, but you can ask them for their profile URL or Steam ID number instead. Paste either one into the Friends & Chats search box and Steam will find their account. This works even if their display name is misspelled or contains special characters.

Will someone know if I add them as a friend?

They will see a friend request notification, but they will not know who sent it unless they recognize your username or profile. Once they accept, you will both see each other in your friends lists and can message each other.

How long does it take for a friend request to go through?

A friend request sends instantly, but the other person has to accept it before you become friends. There is no time limit — they can accept days or weeks later. You can cancel a pending request at any time if you change your mind.

Can I add someone who has their profile set to private?

Yes, you can still send a friend request to someone with a private profile. They will see your request like anyone else. Once they accept, you will be able to see their profile details and game library.

What is the difference between a friend and a blocked user?

A friend can message you, see your online status, and invite you to games. A blocked user cannot do any of those things — they cannot contact you or see when you are playing. You can block someone without removing them as a friend, or remove them without blocking.